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The Department of Behavioral Sciences and Family Studies seeks to assist students in understanding human behavior and criminal behavior, child development, family relations and societal and cultural changes. In addition, the Department seeks to prepare students with intellectual and vocational skills to function in a variety of professional service occupations.

The Department of Child and Family Studies prepares students at the undergraduate and graduate levels to become competent professionals and effective family members. Our primary areas of emphasis focus on children, youth, families, and early learning in diverse contexts. A central foundation for our programs is the idea that scientific inquiry provides the most effective means to improve the welfare of children, youth, and families.A notable feature of both our undergraduate and graduate programs is the opportunity for outreach and engagement experiences in area communities. Students complete intensive semester-long experiences in a wide range of community placements including mental health, medical facilities, public and private schools, and intervention programs. Students also have the opportunity to join a research team of faculty and students.

The Child Development and Family Relations program teaches students to examine individuals and families in the environments in which they live, work and play.Stages of individual and family development and the relationships people form throughout their lives are also prominent aspects of the program. Students can choose between two options: CDFR or Child Life

The Child Development and Family Studies program prepares students to work with individuals and families in a variety of settings. In their classes, students examine human growth and development over the lifespan and family dynamics from a holistic perspective. This includes all aspects of development from conception through childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age as well as family focused coursework on parenting, intergenerational relationships, families and work, violence, and other challenges affecting families in a rapidly changing society. An important part of this program is the emphasis on experiential learning (EXL). Students take several classes that allow them to engage in activities with a variety of populations. These field placements, internships and service learning courses provide students with opportunities to use the information they learn in classes to assist individuals and families in our communities. It is through one of these classes that the CDFS program and, hence MTSU, has become affiliated with Universities Fighting World Hunger, an initiative of the World Food Programme and the U.N. This is an intergenerational, lifespan development program with an emphasis on hands-on learning and a commitment to addressing both global and local issues facing families today. As a result of our hands-on emphasis, CDFS students can graduate as "Experiential Learning (EXL) Scholars".

The mission of the Department is to provide students with a broad background in the study of society and human relationships from a Christian perspective, to enable them to enter graduate programs or entry level positions in their respective discipline. The Family Studies major focuses on the development of the individual in the context of family and society. The program is designed to prepare students for (a) professional careers in a variety of human service areas; (b) leadership roles in church, school, and community; (c) personal roles in family living; and (d) graduate education

The Department of Social Work and Family Studies offers a degree in Social Work (accredited by the Council on Social Work Education) and in Family Studies. Minors are also available in Behavioral Science, Family Studies, and Sociology.

Areas of Study

Family Science/Studies - Undergraduate

Last Updated

September 5, 2013

The discipline of Family Science is vibrant and growing. Visit Family.Science to learn more.